The Assistant Staff Officer is a key support position within the Council and is assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional area as required. The Assistant Staff Officer will work under the direction and management of the Staff Officer or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Administrative Officer, Senior Executive Officer or Director of Services as appropriate. The role involves supporting managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in meeting work goals and objectives and delivering quality services to internal and external customers.

The Assistant Staff Officer role requires excellent administrative, interpersonal, communication and other particular skills and expertise depending on assignment and may also be required to deputise for a Staff Officer from time to time. The Assistant Staff Officer will be expected to use initiative and work to a high standard and will be required to operate the Council’s existing and future IT systems as part of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and competencies:
 

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government and current issues it faces.
• Understand of the role of an Assistant Staff Officer with Galway City Council and their role in delivery of business objectives.
• Relevant administrative experience including delivery of business objectives, preparation of reports and correspondence and operating ICT Systems.
• Experience and competency in the implementation of high quality customer service and standards.
• Demonstrate an openness and responsiveness to change.
• Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships.
• Plan, allocate and supervise the work of staff and other resources to achieve corporate objectives.
• Demonstrate excellent clerical/administrative experience in an office based environment.
• Understand the relevance and have previously demonstrated a strong team ethnic of co-operation and mutual support to ensure delivery of business objectives.

• Be self motivated and proactive with ability to work on own initiative;
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills and be capable of representing the Council in a professional and  credible manner with all stakeholders; and
• Have an awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.   

The Assistant Staff Officer will perform such duties as may be assigned from time to time which will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of the Galway City Council.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to an Assistant Staff Officer:
 

• To support the line manager to ensure the section or department work programme is implemented to deliver the Council’s corporate and operational plans.
• To communicate and liaise effectively with customers, employees, supervisors and line managers in other sections in relation to operational matters relevant to their section or area of work.
• Responsibility for preparation of reports, correspondence and other documents as necessary.
• To provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required.
• To ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for information in a professional, courteous and timely manner.
• To support the line manager to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.
• To supervise employees within their team or programmes of work within their area of responsibility, providing support to team members of colleagues as required.
• To organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and participate and engage in discussion as appropriate.
• To comply with Health & Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work.
• To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required.
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.